Tuesday Freedom Kicks: More DCU injuries ahead of Nashville trip, and more

Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

September 21st, that was yesterday

Good morning folks! I am full of black tea that did not succeed in warming me up, but since I’ve procrastinated about replacing the filters for my HVAC, I guess I’m just gonna have to sit here and be cold. As is the case every year, I’m in my 1-2 week adjustment period to it no longer being 85 and humid every day, and despite enjoying this time of year weather-wise, I’m always a bit of a baby about it being cold until I get through that phase.

Thrilling stuff, I know. And now, soccer!

D.C. United’s Mohammed Abu sidelined indefinitely with knee injury | Black and Red United
The big D.C. United news is also bad D.C. United news. Mohammed Abu has played quite well since getting into the lineup, but it sounds very likely that we won’t see him again this season (barring a very long playoff run).

Abu joins Paul Arriola, Steven Birnbaum, Russell Canouse, Edison Flores, Felipe Martins, and Ulises Segura on a brutally long injury list for United who are also still (as of now at least) waiting on Yordy Reyna’s visa and ITC. Birnbaum, Canouse, and Flores possibly could be back soon at least? We’ll find out later today, as Ben Olsen will talk to media ahead of tomorrow’s trip to face Nashville SC.

How MLS can strengthen its already-existing diversity hiring initiative | The Athletic
MLS has a diversity in hiring rule similar to the NFL’s famous Rooney Rule, but it doesn’t sound like it’s actually set up to make much of a difference. Earl Edwards Jr. spoke about the issue here.

Vote for AT&T Goal of the Week – MLS Week 12 | MLSsoccer.com
You know what to do: vote for Griffin Yow!

Tempo, passion needed from Nashville SC rotation players to regain positive form ahead of D.C. United clash | The Tennessean
Nashville SC will be without starting left back Dan Lovitz tomorrow due to suspension, and it sounds like they’ve figured out who will replace him when United comes to town.

How sportscaster Dave Johnson would spend a perfect day in D.C. | Washington Post
United announcer Dave Johnson loves sports more than just about anyone, so it’s not a big surprise that his perfect day in the area would involve a local sports double-header.

Washington Spirit owner Steve Baldwin will join coach Richie Burke on Twitch tonight, which should be interesting (and possibly full of fines):

Alberth Elis transferred to Portugal: What the Dynamo will miss | Dynamo Theory
Boavista has, I guess, just been scouting in Texas, because Alberth Elis will join former FC Dallas right back Reggie Cannon in Portugal. Big loss for the Dynamo, who are tasked with replacing one of the most dangerous players in MLS now.

Finally, let’s wrap up with Demi Adejuyigbe coming through for a fifth straight year with his celebration of September 21, Earth Wind and Fire, and confetti. The combination of low budget but high ambition is extremely my kind of thing, and I was delighted to see this year’s version.